How to Build Up to 100 Miles

While running No Business 100 a few weeks ago, I overheard a pacer justifying to her runner why she wasn’t ready to run a 100.

She listed what sounded like excuses, judging from her insistence, and assured her runner she had a plan.

But when asked about her plan, she was vague. No timeline, no distances, no specific races. Not even, “I’m running a 50-miler next spring and looking for a 100k in the fall.”

I’ve heard countless versions of this conversation over the years, and all the excuses.

And listen, it’s absolutely fine if you don’t want to run 100 miles. You don’t have to. It’s not for everyone and that’s ok.

BUT…I’m not about to quietly let you put off your dreams.

If the idea of running 100 miles is rumbling around in your head and won’t go away, I’m going to help you do your best and get the most from the experience.

And one great way to do that IS actually to work up to the 100 mile.

It allows you to grow into the belief you can do it.

Trying to go from “I can’t” straight to “I can” is like making a gigantic leap over a wide canyon in one go.

Your skeptical brain won’t back you up. It will essentially be standing on the side of the canyon, arms folded, saying, “No you can’t.” And it will be right.

Working up to 100 miles is a great way to get you, your brain and body across that canyon together, as a team.

Here are three tips for building up right.

First, design a plan that will get you there, and commit to it. Otherwise, you’ll be tempted to stay in your comfort zone.

Don’t get bogged down in detail or making it perfect - how many of which shorter distances you do is totally up to you. Be willing to change it when necessary…and keep moving up anyway.

Next, don’t just complete the shorter races - use them to build confidence and the evidence you’re getting good at ultras. Learn skills, like how to pace an ultra, to set yourself up for success at the 100. Analyze what worked, what didn’t and what you want to change. Watch others to borrow ideas you like and avoid ones you don’t.

Last, use the build up time to experiment. Try new things, adjust, and change your mind if you want. Crew, pacers, food types and schedule, hydration schedule, gear... Get it all ironed out and polished before you get to the 100 mile.

Build up this way and you’ll walk into that 100 mile feeling ready for the challenge.

And if you want to supercharge your build-up time learning mindset skills, ultra skills, and the self-trust you need to tackle big distances, I can help.

It’s better to walk up to that starting line knowing you’re a person that can finish 100-milers.

If you’re interested, use this link to sign up for a simple, free consult call.

You’ll leave knowing your next step.